Big Five Safari in Kenya – Track the Wild Icons of Africa
See Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo & Leopard in One Epic Journey
Looking for the ultimate African safari experience?
A Big Five safari in Kenya gives you the chance to encounter the continent’s most iconic animals — lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard — in the wild.
Kenya is one of the few destinations in the world where you can see all five in a single safari, thanks to its diverse landscapes, protected ecosystems, and world-renowned national parks.
What Is the Big Five?
The term “Big Five” refers to the five African animals that were once the most dangerous to hunt on foot. Today, they symbolize the top wildlife species to see on a safari.
🦁 Lion Found in most parks; often seen in prides in the Masai Mara |
🐘 Elephant Huge tuskers roam Amboseli and Tsavo |
🦏 Rhino Protected in sanctuaries like Ol Pejeta & Lake Nakuru |
🐃 Buffalo Common, especially in Mara, Tsavo & Nakuru |
🐆 Leopard Elusive, but spotted often in the Mara and Laikipia |
Best Parks to See the Big Five in Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve
Best place to spot all Big Five
Dense populations of lions and leopards
Rhino sightings possible in Mara Triangle
Best time: July–October during the Great Wildebeest Migration. Read more
Amboseli National Park
Huge herds of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
Buffalo, lions, and some leopard sightings
Excellent for photography and short safaris
Lake Nakuru National Park
Easy sightings of black and white rhinos
Flamingos and over 400 bird species
Lions, buffalo, and the occasional leopard
Tsavo East & West National Parks
Remote & wild, ideal for off-the-beaten-path safaris
Home to red elephants, rhinos (Tsavo West), lions & buffalo
Visit Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking
Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia)
Best for black rhino & white rhino sightings
Sanctuary for the last northern white rhinos
Great for luxury safaris & conservation-focused travelers
Best Time to Go on a Big Five Safari in Kenya
| Season | Months | What You’ll Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June – October | Best for visibility, fewer mosquitoes |
| Migration Peak | July – September | Lion & leopard action in Masai Mara |
| Green Season | January – March | Lush landscapes, baby animals, fewer tourists |
Safaris run year-round — we’ll match you with the best parks for the season. Read more
Big Five Safari Kenya Packages
| Duration | Safari Highlights |
|---|---|
| 3 Days | Masai Mara safari – lions, elephants, leopards |
| 4 Days | Tsavo safari from Diani – red elephants, rhinos, remote landscapes |
| 5 Days | Masai Mara + Lake Nakuru – high Big Five success rate |
| 7 Days | Mara, Ol Pejeta & Amboseli – complete Big Five & conservation-focused circuit |
🔗 Browse All Kenya Big Five Safari Packages →
Book Your Kenya Big Five Safari with Local Experts
At Annest Kenya Safaris, we create tailor-made Big Five safari itineraries that match your:
Travel style & pace
Budget (from affordable to luxury)
Start point (Nairobi, Mombasa, or Diani Beach)
Preferred parks & wildlife priorities
Private 4×4 game drives
Local, certified safari guides
Hand-picked lodges & tented camps
Chat with a Safari Planner on WhatsApp →
booking@annestkenyasafaris.com
FAQs – Big Five Safari in Kenya
Yes! Masai Mara and Ol Pejeta offer high chances of seeing all five in one visit.
Rhinos are easiest to spot in Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta, and Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo West.
Yes. We customize safaris for families with kids — including shorter drives and family-friendly lodges.
June–October is ideal. But we also recommend January–March for lower crowds and baby wildlife.
